DID YOU KNOW?
Almonds: Almonds provide much needed fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and calcium among other things. The fatty acids in almonds have been found to be good for heart health, but also, they are great for an aging brain (and probably the younger brains to help them age gracefully). The combination of nutrients in almonds is the perfect food for memory function. In fact, daily consumption of almonds has been shown to increase the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, which is used by the brain in memory processes.1 They are very packed with calories, though, so use restraint! A handful a day (approx. 10 almonds) would be sufficient.
Rosemary: The ancient Greeks and Romans understood the utility of rosemary for brain health. Ophelia even mentions it in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. More recently, scientists have shown that the polyphenolics known as rosemary diterpenes are involved in several processes that improve cognitive function. For example, an antioxidant response to rosemary slows oxidative cell death. Also, one of these diterpenes, carnosic acid, has been shown to block an enzyme that destroys acetylcholine.2 In these processes and others, rosemary supports memory and overall brain function. Simply smelling rosemary improved memory performance.3
Rosemary: The ancient Greeks and Romans understood the utility of rosemary for brain health. Ophelia even mentions it in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. More recently, scientists have shown that the polyphenolics known as rosemary diterpenes are involved in several processes that improve cognitive function. For example, an antioxidant response to rosemary slows oxidative cell death. Also, one of these diterpenes, carnosic acid, has been shown to block an enzyme that destroys acetylcholine.2 In these processes and others, rosemary supports memory and overall brain function. Simply smelling rosemary improved memory performance.3